Community science (sometimes called “participatory science” or “citizen science”) is a form of research that provides everyone-regardless of their background-an opportunity to contribute meaningful data to further our scientific understanding of key issues.
https://xerces.org/community-science
Wild Ones Wayne County firmly believes that Citizen Science is Science for Everyone! Community or “citizen” observations can help scientists learn what’s happening near you. Become a part of the science and research community by checking out some of these great opportunities.
Apps for Observation and Reporting 📱🌱🦉🍄
iNaturalist
With the iNaturalist app you can report your nature observations, share with fellow naturalists and discuss your findings. These observations all feed into the Global Biodiversity Information Facility to help scientists find and use your data.
SEEK by iNaturalist
You can use the SEEK app to identify wildlife, plants and fungi. It’s a great app for anyone, but it is also particularly friendly for families and those concerned about privacy as there is no registration required or user data collected. They compare your images against the iNaturalist observations to identify what you have observed with image recognition technology.
Midwest Invasive Species Information Network (MISIN)
The Midwest Invasive Species Information Network (MISIN) has an observation and identification app that helps with the capture of invasive species field observation data. It allows you to browse invasive species data, report invasive plant and animal species and provides a simple field data collection interface.
Merlin Bird ID and eBird
Merlin Bird ID is an app that helps you to identify birds via a simple three question wizard, the song and call using the audio from your device or by image recognition of a photo taken in the app or imported from your photos.
Merlin is powered by eBird, the world’s largest database of bird sightings, sounds and photos. With the eBird app, you can submit your sightings and contribute to scientific bird research. You can also track lists and explore bird sightings near you. Enroll in this free course to learn more.
Monarch Watch
The Monarch Watch App allows you to capture images of tags to automatically import codes to streamline the process of tracking Monarchs. Keep track of the data you’ve collected, get detailed instructions on tagging and gain access to Monarch resources through the app.
Monarch SOS
Monarch SOS is a project hosted on SciStarter, a platform for hosting citizen science projects. The Monarch SOS iOS app is designed to help you identify monarchs in all life stages as well as the milkweed species that are their host plants. You can use this app to participate in data collection for monarch research projects.
Citizen Science Projects and Initiatives
SciStarter
SciStarter connects people to citizen science projects, citizen scientists, and resources. You can use their tools to find a community science project like the Monarch SOS project
Xerces Society
The Xerces Society is a nonprofit focused on invertebrate conservation and they have a host of community science projects that you can contribute to.
Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
The Michigan DNR Community Science Page lists opportunities in Michigan as well as national/international opportunities to participate in community science.
Monarch Joint Venture
The Monarch Joint Venture is a national partnership dedicated to conserving monarch butterflies and other pollinators. They list multiple community science programs and a guide on which one may be the best fit for you.
Mayors’ Monarch Pledge
The Mayors’ Monarch Pledge is a great way to get your community or municipality educated and involved in creating a healthy and sustainable habitat for monarch butterflies and pollinators.
Project GNBee
Project GNBee Objectives: (1) Engage community scientists to locate and map nesting sites of ground nesting bees, (2) use biotic and abiotic landscape data from existing nest-sites to develop a predictive model for nesting, (3) encourage native bees in agricultural settings to enhance fruit production.
Big Tree Hunt Contest
ReLeaf Michigan is a statewide volunteer tree planting and education organization, and their Biennial Michigan Big Tree Hunt Contest is a great activity to engage in to try to find the biggest trees in the state.
DarkSky Globe at Night
DarkSky is a nonprofit focused on restoring the nighttime environment and protecting communities from the harmful effects of light pollution. They have a community science project called Globe at Night which is focused on measuring light pollution.